On 6/8, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video from the infrared and electro-optical sensors of a Geran-4 Siker unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The footage showed large fires following an attack on a "logistics center and warehouse" in Brovary, a city situated near the capital Kyiv.
AMK Mapping, an X account specializing in open-source intelligence on the Ukraine conflict, suggested that the Geran-4 was on a mission to assess the results of the strike. It is not yet clear whether the images were captured by one or multiple UAVs, or if they were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
The fires in Brovary, Ukraine, in a video released on 6/8. *TASS, Russian Ministry of Defense*
On the same day, the Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that Russia had launched two P-800 Oniks hypersonic anti-ship missiles, two Kh-31P anti-radar missiles, and 101 various types of UAVs targeting Ukraine.
According to the agency, "Air defense forces shot down 66 UAVs. One Oniks missile and 29 aircraft struck 18 locations, and debris also fell in 5 areas. The remaining missiles did not reach their targets; we are clarifying this information".
This appears to be the first time Russia has published images from a UAV operating over Kyiv province in many months.
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The location of the Brovary area in Kyiv province. *RYV*
In January, Russian UAVs, believed to be Geran and BM-35 models, circled over Kyiv for hours without being shot down. These aircraft reportedly used Starlink satellite Internet transceivers to connect with their operators and resist jamming.
SpaceX, the company operating Starlink, had to "implement emergency measures" at Ukraine's request to prevent Russia from using the satellite Internet network. Since then, Russian UAVs have rarely conducted reconnaissance flights over Kyiv or deep within enemy territory.
The Rassvet system, considered Russia's equivalent of Starlink, has recently established coverage over Ukrainian territory, ensuring two connection sessions lasting approximately one hour each day. Although it cannot yet replace Starlink, Rassvet still allows operators to receive images from reconnaissance UAVs and send additional commands to the aircraft.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) stated that Russia has been mass-producing jet-powered Geran-4 UAVs since January and began using this aircraft model in May.
A Russian UAV flying over Kyiv in a video released on 26/1. *Kyiv Info, RBC Ukraine*
The Geran-4 can perform maneuvers while flying at speeds of 300-400 km/h, reaching a maximum speed of 500 km/h, with an operational range of 450 km and a service ceiling of 5,000 m. Thanks to its robust airframe, the Geran-4 can carry a high-explosive fragmentation or thermobaric warhead weighing 50-90 kg.
The Geran-4 UAV also features a fixed forward-facing auxiliary camera. This device appears to provide the operator with a wider view, aiding in target identification and detecting enemy interceptor drones during the final phase of an attack.
Nguyen Tien (According to TASS, AFP, AP)
